Michigan Supreme Court to look at hookah tobacco case

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Hookahs are water pipes smoked with flavored tobacco that are popular in the Arab world. <137>Critics say they cause health problems and tobacco addictions among youths. Alex Nguyen blows smoke at Mist Hookah Lounge in Troy, which also cracked down on the cafés. <137>(Photo: 2013 photo by Jarrad Henderson/DFP)Buy Photo

DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court is looking at the case of a Detroit-area man who mixes his own tobacco for water pipes known as hookah.

State investigators accused Samer Shami of manufacturing tobacco without a license. A Wayne County judge threw out the charge, saying blending tobacco isn't the same as making it. But the state appeals court reinstated the charge.